Trump Nominee for Air Force Secretary Allegedly Favored SpaceX in Contract Deal
President Donald Trump's nominee for Air Force Secretary, Troy Meink, who currently serves as a top official at the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), is accused of arranging a multibillion-dollar contract solicitation that favored Elon Musk's SpaceX. Seven individuals familiar with the situation reported that changes to the classified contract's requirements led the NRO inspector general to investigate whether Meink improperly directed the transaction toward SpaceX.
Ultimately, Musk's SpaceX secured the contract in 2021. It remains unclear if the inspector general has completed a report or if the investigation is still ongoing.
The allegations about the contract and the inspector general's investigation have not been previously reported. A spokesperson for the NRO stated via email that the agency is unaware of any allegations, protests, or wrongdoing concerning the procurement process and declined to comment on contractual relationships with industry partners.
The inspector general, Terrence Edwards, through the NRO spokesperson, mentioned that his office does not share information regarding possible complaints or investigative activities.
These claims arise as Meink awaits confirmation for his nomination to lead the Air Force. This nomination, as noted by two sources, was influenced by a recommendation from Musk, who has been a significant advisor to Trump and whose businesses, including SpaceX, maintain extensive dealings with the federal government.
Neither Musk nor SpaceX has provided comments for this report, and a spokesperson for the Air Force has directed queries to the White House, which has not responded to requests from Reuters.
